Raw Canvas has been around in Yaletown for a few years now, but it remains notable because there's nothing else in Vancouver that offers the same experience. It's a lounge and art studio, which means that you can go for drinks and nibbles and catch up with friends. Or, you can add to that and buy a canvas, pick up a brush and create a work of art that you can take home and hang on your wall.

How it works is you buy the canvas size you would like to paint, or a reusable canvas bag, and they supply all of the paint, brushes, smocks and clean up for you. The food menu is perfect for sharing and is focused mainly on cheeses and charcuterie, which also goes so well with their extensive wine list. It's a great interactive experience to get your group up off their feet and work together on creating something beautiful. Raw Canvas caters to groups and it's a fun idea for a birthday party or stagette. You would also score major points for thinking outside the box and having a unique date here. A couple times a month they bring in some jazz musicians and you can find out what night they're playing on their website's calendar. Located in Vancouver's Yaletown, there are plenty of other restaurants and bars within the surrounding blocks if you're after a little night cap, or more to eat. The Canada Line is just a block or so away, so getting there is terribly convenient and easy.

Raw Canvas Exterior — Photo courtesy of Raw Canvas (Facebook)